26. Desperate

Desperate

Dalton

T he morning of my heat finally dawned. The anticipation of it had me on edge so badly, Chase had to send me home early the day before it began with orders not to come back until it was done.

Larken had a few days off, as they all expected this one to be more intense because of the potions. He really was the most thoughtful mate, always thinking of my needs before his own. Instead of relaxing or napping as he probably should have, Larken took the time to prepare the house with food, blankets, snacks, potions for energy and healing.

Spice was reacting to the tension in the air as we waited for Michaella to deliver the freshly made potions. We could only take them under her watch; they were so tightly controlled. In other packs, I knew their use was abused. My little ferret was dashing about, climbing things, then leaping from place to place as I tried to get a hold of him. Priscilla knew something was happening, her long fluffy tail was flicking back and forth in agitation, though she gave no other outward sign she was even bothered until she got too annoyed at his antics and went to find somewhere else to get her beauty rest.

Finally captured, I put him in his carry crate. He and Priscilla were going to Uncle Deke's house for a couple of days. Since Spice had been stressed last time, we thought it was best for them. Now for Larken's Princess Priscilla. He came into the room with her purring in his arms.

"Traitor!"

"Aww Dimples, your raccoon is still my fave. I'm just giving our princess all her hugs before we have to say goodbye." He kissed the top of her head. They had such a sweet bond.

"She's only going for a couple of days, so we don't have to remember to feed them or scoop the litter tray," I reminded him, as I rolled my eyes at my mate.

Whatever he saw in my face made Larken put Priscilla in the carrier. He took my hand and led me to the sofa to rest while we waited for Deke and Michaella to arrive. The build up to my heat was nerve-wracking. I was already feeling the prickling sensation of it starting. The need building to just be alone with my mate .

As much as I hated the necessity of them coming with the potions, I had fear surrounding it. At any moment, I wondered if they would call it off and ask me to go through another heat without magical help.

Asking for help was the right thing for Larken to do, because I didn't think I could cope, knowing my ability would likely hamper my chances of getting pregnant. After speaking to ívarr about it, he believed the potion would override or inhibit my super healing and give me a chance to conceive. Then it was just staying pregnant, though it was possible my body wouldn't see the baby as an invader because they would be half me.

My pregnancy, if it happened, could be difficult, but I would suffer through all the morning sickness, all the aches and pains, just to get our baby at the end of it. All I wanted was this one chance to have a perfect piece of me and Larken.

Larken put a hand over my jiggling leg. "It'll be fine."

I stopped the movement and squeezed his hand. "I know. It's just… I worry."

"You wouldn't be you if you didn't."

Before I could reply to that statement, a knock came at the door. Larken went to answer it and returned to my side with Deke, Michaella, Chase, and our Alpha by his side.

"We won't stay," Blake said as he perched on the arm of the sofa where Deke and Michaella sat. Chase took the other arm. "We just want to confirm both of you are going into this with free will."

Michaella nodded by his side. "This potion is not to be taken lightly. I brought some extra healing tonics, as we believe, after a while, your healing ability will be suppressed as your system struggles to manage your energy levels. We also packed some energy potions for both of you, just in case."

"Larken, you must take care of yourself first, or you can't look after Dalton properly. Do you understand? Do not save any healing or energy bottles for him if you are running low," Blake commanded.

He added some alpha power to his next order. "Text or call and someone will bring anything you need. Do not make either of you suffer to avoid asking for help. We will send a beta or an omega."

"Yes, Alpha," Larken answered.

"Good." Blake reached the distance between the two sofas to cup Larken's neck, then squeezed. "I know you'll do right by Dalton. You've been an excellent mate so far. Thank you for taking care of him how he deserves," he said quietly as he released my mate.

I almost wanted to cry with how proud Blake looked of Larken and the complicated expression Larken wore. For him, this was validation, acceptance and how leadership should be. I bet it was reminding him of his time with John. He had told me more than once that Blake reminded him of his old Alpha.

"Thank you," Larken muttered.

"Okay, let's get this started. You'll both be observed as you take the booster. The rest I'll leave here. Now, Dalton, are you taking this potion of your own free will? Do you understand what it is for?" Michaella asked.

"I am, and I do," I answered.

Chase, who was unusually quiet, just nodded his head.

"Larken, are you taking his potion of your own free will? Do you understand what it does?" the nurse asked as she rubbed her stomach. Her little bump was showing.

"Yes, I do," Larken said, his face solemn.

Again, Chase gave a nod, telling us all we both told the truth.

Michaella handed us the potions. "They don't taste the best, so take it like a shot," she grinned, "hopefully the last shot you get until a baby is born."

"From your mouth to The Luna's ears," I said as I uncorked the bottle. In one swallow, I drank the entire bottle. She was right, it was rancid. "Why?" I whined.

Larken laughed before he took his first sip. A big mistake on his part. He grimaced at the taste, held his nose shut with his fingers and knocked the bottle back. He gagged but kept it down.

"There was no need for that taste!" He started wiping his tongue with his shirt, showing a sliver of abs.

"Um, I'm starting to get…" Uncomfortably horny around my boss and Alpha, I wanted to say.

It's starting . I used the mating bond with Larken. Rude in company, but I didn't want them judging me.

"Okay. Thanks for bringing those over, Michaella. We'll check in when we can. Deke, Dalton's left you a folder and packed all their favorite things and a ton of food. Let me know if you need anything else." Larken took charge of the situation.

"Right," Blake said, a grin playing at his lips. "I best get back to the office. See you in a couple of days. Take more time if you need to recover."

"Chase," I called before he could follow everyone else to the door. "What's wrong?"

My boss laughed at my concern. "It's so stupid."

"Tell me, please?"

He rubbed the back of his neck. "Just jealous you asked Deke, okay? I thought you'd ask me."

"Oh! I'm sorry, but Deke has his own place…"

"Yeah, and he asked me to stay and help." He brandished the folder. "I think he found this a little intimidating." He grinned. "See you in a few days, Dally-Do. Have fun!"

I shook my head at the stupid nickname. "Look after my furbabies, Chasey-Choo."

He ran to catch up with the others, leaving me alone with the itching feeling until Larken returned from seeing our guests out. I was relieved to have the house to ourselves again.

"I'm just going to put this in the kitchen, okay?" Larken held up the basket.

The intensity of the fire which flashed through me startled a gasp from my throat. From one second to the next, it was like someone had switched on the strongest wave of heat.

He was gone less than five minutes. When Lark returned, I was sitting naked on the rug on the floor, presenting my ass for him.

"Hmm, what a pretty sight!" I heard his clothes drop to the floor before he went to his knees behind me and stroked along my flank. "This is going to be so much fun."

Three days later and I still couldn't get enough of my mate. The wave was still building to its peak while I lazily rode Larken's cock and munched my way through a pack of jerky. Larken was alternating between feeding me pieces and eating some himself. We both needed the energy, since my heat showed no sign of abating.

I rose and fell harder and faster as I felt the need swell within me. More, I needed more.

The need burning within me must have broadcast down the bond, as Larken dropped the jerky and grasped my hips. He directed my movements, hitting that spot inside me perfectly with his cock as I panted above him.

Sweat lined our bodies. We had long since given up changing the sheets on the bed. If it got really disgusting, then we would, there just wasn't time in between each round of sex and the catnaps we were getting.

Larken's knot expanded, tying him inside me, his length pulsed with his orgasm. He reached for my cock and stroked it until I came. Another dry orgasm. I felt completely exhausted. We'd barely had a break all day.

More than once over my heat, I'd woken to Larken already inside me, sometimes just his fingers, other times with his hard cock. In my sleep I'd been calling for him to fill me up, to put a baby inside me. My alpha obeyed my command.

The wave broke with my orgasm, and I slumped over my mate.

"Here, drink some water," Larken urged with a croak in his voice.

"You… you need it more than me."

"No, you first. I'm going to text for more supplies. There's no sign of this slowing."

"Good idea."

Larken sent the text. We dozed together until the next wave hit. Unable to muster the energy for anything more, I lay on my side, Larken spooning me as he moved in and out of my aching hole. It hurt a little. Likely because I wasn't producing enough slick. I reached for the lube I kept in the drawer, a souvenir from when I was a beta.

I tossed the bottle Larken's way, too focused on the dry friction and getting myself off again. He slicked his cock and then mine and stroked me to an unsatisfying climax .

"More," I gasped, even as my orgasm waned. I needed more than this. Everything felt too hot, too close, too empty.

My mate obliged, quickening his thrusts inside me as he tightened his hold on my poor dick. He came with a shout as someone knocked on the door.

Locked together as we were, there was no chance we were answering. Thankfully, Chase understood. He called out to us as he opened the door.

"Just putting things away. Spice and Priscilla miss you, but they are fine. We're getting worried, so stay in contact. I'll be back tomorrow."

Chase closed the door firmly, so Larken knew I was safe from any potential invader.

"When my knot goes down, I'm getting us whatever meal Chase just delivered. I can smell Winter's cooking."

I took a deep inhale of the heavenly smell. "Oh, fuck yes!" My raccoon agreed. They wanted whatever that scent was. "If we both weren't so exhausted, I'd ask you to carry me still knotted, but I think you'd struggle."

"Right now, I don't think I can walk by myself, let alone carry you anywhere. Nap and then food?"

Day five dawned with what I hoped were the last and most intense waves of heat. There wasn't a moment when I could cope without Larken inside me, one way or another. Everything burned and ached. My mouth was dry. The lube was almost gone.

I was desperately worried we had made a mistake.

Was having a child worth putting Larken and me through all of this?

We had also used up all the healing and energy potions. That was a scary amount of magic to consume in five days.

"I texted Chase to ask him to bring more everything," Larken said between thrusts. We were in a cool bath since we were likely all gross. The water was divine against my overheated skin.

His phone buzzed on the side. He read the text quickly, pausing his movements.

"Move, please!" I panted. It hurt for him to stay still. Honestly, it hurt, just not as badly, for him to move. At least that pain brought me some relief .

"Oh, Hiroshi's coming." Larken resumed his thrusts. "Fuck, I hope he can heal my dick or we are never having sex again after this."

I chuckled, then regretted it, as everything tightened around the hard length inside me.

The lack of energy and likely overuse of my super healing ability had meant I wasn't healing fast anymore, just as we had hoped. My ability was fully suppressed. Now I was healing as slowly as a regular shifter, which meant I needed someone to heal me.

Larken had stopped absorbing my ability at some point because a blow job wasn't enough to satisfy me for each intense wave and I barely had any come when I did orgasm anything. Most of my climaxes were dry and almost painful for it. Didn't stop me from needing it almost every hour.

We were almost at our breaking point when Hiroshi arrived.

He found us on the sofa, a blanket protecting the fabric underneath from the lube we had smeared everywhere. I was on Larken's knot after another round since our bath. Our wasted bath now that we were all sweaty again.

Hearing Hiroshi's approach, Larken covered me with a cushion.

"Pointless," Hiroshi chuckled. "I need to see everything to check you over. Now, I appreciate not everyone likes to be watched like I do, so I can wait until the knot goes down to examine you both."

"Ugh, I don't care at this point. I'm just so tired!" I complained.

Larken leaned his head on my shoulder. "Same. I could sleep right here, but I need to get us both something to drink."

Hiroshi picked up my hand and pinched it. He looked into my eyes and sent some healing light through me. Then he did the same to Larken.

"Nope. This won't do. You're both dehydrated. I'm going to get James to bring over some IV fluids for you while I heal the tear you have, Dalton. Lark, you're going to have to show me your dick." He laughed, his cheerful demeanor breaking the tension. "Bet you're all chafed."

"And they call you a professional," Larken half-heartedly teased. I could feel through the bond just how much he wanted to sleep.

The knot went down and Larken slid from my body. "Yikes, you should have called me earlier." Hiroshi stepped closer to me. "I'm going to have to touch you closer to the injury to heal it correctly. My power wants to do all the things, I just need to focus it. Is it alright to touch you there?"

I nodded my consent.

"Larken, can I heal your mate? "

"Please." Larken picked me up and set me beside him. I didn't know where he got the strength, I was so exhausted, sitting upright was a battle.

A warm, tingly sensation went through my ass, and even inside me. It was so soothing, I couldn't help the sigh that escaped me.

"My dick next, please." Larken winced as his cock tried to harden again. There couldn't be another wave already.

Done with me, Hiroshi went to Larken. Again, he asked both of us for consent before touching Larken. I felt my mate's relief through the bond.

James knocked as he entered with a case of medical supplies. "Let's get you both fixed up."

I fought with my body for the next hour as James and Hiroshi both worked to get fluids and potions into our poor bodies. We had both lost weight. They helped us eat the food Chase dropped off while we waited for the fluids to do their thing.

"What you both really need is for this heat to break so you can get a decent night's sleep." James worried at a loose thread on the sleeve of his scrubs. "Do you think we made a mistake using two potions?"

"We all knew going in it was a risk," I said, unwilling to make Larken feel bad. He hadn't chosen to use potions on both of us .

Blazing heat burned beneath my skin. I cried out at the sudden emptiness I felt.

"That's our cue to leave. If this doesn't end tonight, we'll have to intervene again." James helped Hiroshi remove our IVs and pack up. They left as Larken rubbed his hands over my skin, cooling the fire with every touch.

"Let's go to bed."

I was grateful James had thought to clean up a little. The sheets were fresh with an absorbent pad laid on the top. Think of a puppy pad, but designed for omegas in heat. So practical!

Feeling so much better aside from the ache inside me, I brought my mouth to Larken's, kissing him deeply as he laid me down on the pad. I put all I was feeling into the kiss. My gratitude it was him with me. How secure I felt despite the situation I was in. He had my back, always. I knew with him by my side, we'd weather any storm.

I reached for his healed cock, finding the tip wet with precum. I smeared it down his length and jacked him as he stretched me on his fingers.

When he slid inside me soon after, I was slick and ready for him.

We moved together, kissing and sharing air, barely a sliver of space between us. I gripped his shoulders as his pace increased, his thrusts growing wilder .

I came with a loud moan before he did, feeling finally sated.

Larken twisted us so he was under me and we slept for a long time.

A few hours of sleep worked wonders. I felt good for the next wave and then the last one in the middle of the night. I even texted everyone and let them know my heat had finally broken. Then I passed out for about a day, content in my mate's arms.